HAPPENINGS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS: As the New Year approaches, the Keys are the place to be! Any sort of seasonal activity from New Year’s fireworks and celebrations to dolphin and sea lion watching and garden tours are available. See a sampling of the season’s festivities below:

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Blackwater SoundKey Largo on December 31st. The back bay is the setting for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, MM 103-104. Check website for upcoming details. Contact: Robert Stoky (305-451-4502)

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Beach Islamorada / December 31 -Fireworks on the beach are planned at Pierre’s Restaurant and Morada Bay Beach Café, MM 81.6 bayside. Live music and cocktails are available for purchase to add to the celebration, but coolers are not allowed. Contact: (305-664-8414)

New Year’s Eve at Cheeca Lodge & Spa For a casually elegant celebration, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, located at MM 82 oceanside, is planning a midnight fireworks display. Known for its renowned cuisine and beachside location, Cheeca is an ideal spot for revelers and romantics to ring in 2012. Call for more information about dining and reservations. Contact: (305-664-4651, ext. 4580)

Family Fun Day at Dolphin Research Center Marathon / January 10 -Family Fun Day at Dolphin Research Center. Free Admission for Florida Keys Residents and two-for-one admission for visitors. Watch dolphins and sea lions in action. Splash in the sprayground. Call (305-289-1121, Ext. 258,) for more information. Email: info@dophins.org

52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tours Key West / December 27 to December 28 -Tour a series of elegant and unique homes of Key West decorated for the holidays! Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West’s magnificent, charming and tropical residences. Contact: (305-294-9501) Email: tickets@oirf.org

Florida Keys Art Guild, Art Festival Key West / December 27 to December 31 -A free art festival to be held at Bayview Park, enjoyable for the whole family. Dozens of artists from around the country join local artisans to display their work, ranging from fine jewelry, sculpture, paintings and photography as well as fine crafts. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Contact: Joey Smith (305-897-9098) homeEmail: sarasotajoe2000@yahoo.com

These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re coming down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite happenings with us …

Visit our blog next Monday with updated happenings in the Florida Keys…